Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Rochester is 74% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,039/mo ↓ 62%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 164%
$46,628/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 171%
$120,600 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 763%
$1,009/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 161%
209,720
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,703/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $20,436/year.

Median household income is $79,841/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Rochester or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Cambridge?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,703/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Cambridge?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $79,841/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between New York and Massachusetts?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Cambridge details →

More Comparisons

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